Tinnitus: Stopping the Sound in Your Head
People with tinnitus hear a constant ringing in their ears. Or the sound may be a buzzing, rushing, pinging, clicking, whistling, or roaring.
Some people describe it as a freight train constantly rolling through their brains. But tinnitus has nothing to do with actual sound waves hitting the ear.
What causes tinnitus?
Millions of Americans have tinnitus. Tinnitus can be temporary (acute) or ongoing (chronic).
People with hearing loss can have tinnitus. Being exposed to loud noise for a long time can cause tinnitus, as well as hearing loss. It can also be caused by simple wax buildup in the ear canal, ear or sinus infections, and TM joint (temporomandibular joint) problems. Many medicines can cause tinnitus. If you think that your medicine is causing your tinnitus, talk with your doctor. Allergies, tumors, heart problems, and jaw and neck illnesses also can cause tinnitus.
How is tinnitus treated?
Sometimes tinnitus is a short-term (temporary) symptom of a physical problem. In those cases, treating the physical problem may end tinnitus. For example, having a doctor remove earwax may stop it.
In most other cases, there is no known cure. But doing the following can provide relief.
Have a checkup by an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT or otolaryngologist). Or get care from an audiologist. If tinnitus is affecting your quality of life and daily activities, a doctor can help you manage your condition. Anyone who has tinnitus should get medical care to rule out any physical problems.
If you have both hearing loss and tinnitus, see your doctor for help with both problems. You may want to try these treatments:
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A masking device. This device makes a low-level sound. It helps you ignore tinnitus and fall asleep. Listening to radio static at low volume also can help.
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A tabletop sound generator. This device uses nature sounds to help you ignore tinnitus. A babbling brook, ocean waves, and forest life are some examples of nature sounds.
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Medicine. Medicines are available that may ease tinnitus. But more research is needed to confirm how well they work. If your doctor prescribes medicine, ask if there are any side effects.
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Tinnitus retraining therapy. This method also uses a masking device. But it's done at a lower intensity than tinnitus. This can help the brain filter out (habituate to) the sound. Cognitive behavioral therapy is included to help treat the person's emotional reaction to tinnitus.
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Biofeedback. This relaxation method often helps to ease tinnitus symptoms by helping to reduce stress.
Another treatment that helps some people with tinnitus is cochlear implants. These are only available to people who are totally deaf. People with profound hearing loss in both ears may also get these implants. There are also medicines that can help with anxiety, depression, or sleep. Ask your doctor which treatment may work best for you.
What can you do for yourself?
Here are some tips on coping with tinnitus:
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Think of things that can help you cope. Many people find listening to music very helpful. Focusing on music may help you forget about your tinnitus for a while. It can also help hide the sound. Other people like to listen to recorded nature sounds, such as ocean waves, the wind, or crickets.
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Keep away from anything that can make your tinnitus worse. This includes smoking, alcohol, and loud noise. In some cases, it's helpful to wear earplugs or special earmuffs. These can protect your hearing and keep your tinnitus from getting worse. If you work in construction, work at an airport, or hunt, always wear protective hearing devices. Also be sure to protect your hearing if you are near other types of loud noises at home or work.
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Ask friends and family for help. If it is hard for you to hear over your tinnitus, explain your condition to your friends and family. Ask them to face you when they talk. Then you can see their faces. Seeing their expressions may help you understand them better. Ask people to speak louder but not shout. Also tell them they don't have to speak slowly, just more clearly.
You may hear your heartbeat in your ear or a swishing sound. This may mean that a more serious condition is present. You should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist to check on it.